Major Garda warning as drones fly over site being searched for missing boy's body

Gardaí have appealed for privacy and respect after drones were flown over the search site for a missing seven-year-old Irish boy in Donabate, Co Dublin.

An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Geographic Zone, similar to a temporary restricted airspace, has been in place over the area since September 2, the day after gardaí first took control of open ground in Donabate as part of the investigation.

Despite this, gardaí say they detected a drone over the site yesterday, Wednesday. The operator was located and claimed to be flying it on behalf of a media outlet, and the breach is now under investigation.

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A second drone was observed again today, Thursday, with gardaí confirming this incident is also under investigation.

Breaches are investigated by the Irish Aviation Authority and An Garda Síochána.

In a statement, gardaí urged the media and the public not to use any images captured by drones, stressing that they were obtained in breach of airspace restrictions.

"An Garda Síochána again appeals to the media to provide Gardaí with the space and time to carry out this search operation sensitively and sympathetically for everybody involved," the statement said.

"Any images which may have been captured by a UAS of the search site should not be used by any media as they have been obtained in breach of a UAS Geographic Zone."

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The search relates to the disappearance of a boy who would now be aged seven. Concerns for his welfare were first raised by Tusla and reported to gardaí on August 29.

The child was last known to have lived at The Gallery Apartments in Donabate, but gardaí have found no evidence of his current whereabouts or that he is still alive.

Investigating gardaí took control of an area of open ground in Donabate, Co. Dublin, on September 1, which remains the subject of an ongoing search.

On September 2, investigating gardaí confirmed that they "believe the boy is missing, presumed dead".

The investigation is being led from an incident room at Swords Garda Station, and is ongoing.

Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone with information to contact Swords Garda Station on 01 666 4700, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

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